Today, it is unlikely that it will be possible to surprise a motorist with various useful gadgets. On sale you can find a wide variety of products — video recorders, navigators and so on. In our article, we will turn to devices such as radar detectors. These are very useful units, as they help to timely detect radiation emanating from the radars of traffic police officers. However, choosing a quality device is not too easy, we will try to help you with this.
The advantages of radar detectors and the rules for their selection
When the device is turned on, it will warn the driver with sound and light signals to reduce the speed of movement or to perform a particular maneuver. The product can warn about the presence of a police camera for fixing violations about 5 kilometers before it, with a 100% guarantee determine the location of such equipment at a distance of about half a kilometer.
Such equipment is not too expensive, due to which almost all car owners can afford radar detectors. They are absolutely legal, unlike real radar detectors, which jam the camera signals, so if found, the owner will not face any sanctions. It has small overall dimensions, so they can be installed almost anywhere in the car — basically, drivers place them on the front panel of the car.
When buying a radar detector, you should pay attention to a number of important points:
- The maximum distance at which such waves can be detected;
- Various additional options;
- Ability to detect signals from hidden devices;
- Speed of response and alerts;
- The presence of a GPS module;
- The quality of workmanship and the accuracy of the displayed data;
- The ability to resist interference well and a small percentage of false signals.
It is very important to pay attention to the case material and the way it is assembled (monoblocks are the most popular products; remote — the block is mounted on a special hinged stand; hybrid — have the maximum number of functions, but differ in the highest price). The radar detector can be mounted in a car using a special bracket, sticky mats and Velcro.
When buying a device, it is important to pay attention not only to your preferences, but also to the reviews of other users, the ratio of price and quality of the device. When compiling our review, we tried to take into account all these points. In the rating, you can find both budget models and products that can be attributed to the premium class. We hope that after a detailed study of our article, it will be quite easy for you to choose the right radar detector model.
Ten of the best radar detector models
10. SilverStone F1 Fuji
The main negative point associated with the operation of this radar detector, located in a low price category, is the lack of a GPS module. Otherwise, this model will be an excellent assistant for both beginners and experienced motorists. This model perfectly picks up the signals of stationary and mobile cameras (the so-called «tripods») and notifies the driver in a timely manner of their presence. The sound signal is not too sharp, if desired, its volume can be adjusted or even turned off — in this case, the driver will have to focus on the information displayed on the device’s LCD display.
The model has reliable protection against false positives, has an attractive appearance. The kit comes with several types of mounts — suction cup, anti-slip mat. The product has a number of operating modes: the track and two options for use within the city. The design is equipped with a reliable battery, but it can also work from the electrical network of the car itself.
Advantages:
- Small overall dimensions;
- Quality assembly;
- Long period of operation;
- Several job options.
Flaws:
- Missing GPS module;
- In the city, it works too late, because of which the driver may not have time to slow down.
SilverStone F1 Fuji
9 Sho-Me G-800STR
This is the first model included in our review of the best radar detectors, which belongs to the middle price segment. The kit contains everything you need for convenient operation — the product itself, a power cable, a wire for connecting to a personal computer, a mount to a panel or windshield, as well as related documentation. This is not to say that the device has high performance in terms of design and style, but it perfectly performs all its key functions. The appearance is characterized mainly by strict forms and symmetry. The power button is located on the side, the rest of the keys are on the top panel. You will have to configure the product only at the first start, in the future it will be necessary to change only the operating mode.
The display here is textual, has only one line and sufficient brightness, so it is quite easy to read the information on it, and all data is duplicated by voice voicing. Laser signals are detected over a 360 degree range. The product defines all existing camera standards, it has three modes of operation — one is designed for the track, two for urban conditions. It behaves just fine on the road, there is a built-in GPS module, there are no false positives.
Advantages:
- Strict appearance;
- Ability to update software;
- Good sensitivity;
- Quickly locates cameras.
Flaws:
- With updates, you need to be careful and careful, because when they are installed, the GPS unit sometimes fails;
- Sometimes it incorrectly displays the speed mode.
ShoMe G-800STR
8. Street Storm STR-5210EX
This model went on sale a long time ago — in the spring it will be two years since it was presented on the market, however, it continues to be very relevant and popular among users, largely due to the huge number of positive qualities. This model operates on the basis of the HSP platform. It is distinguished by excellent sensitivity to all types of cameras, especially such popular ones as Strelka and Robot, because each of them has its own signal. To minimize interference, there are four modes of operation in urban areas, due to which it is possible to provide excellent filtering of non-tracked cameras.
The design has a symbolic liquid crystal display with a signal level indicator, voice notification is provided, like all models that have already been considered in our rating. In addition, the product will be well compatible with the external GPS module STR-GP One BT, which can be purchased separately if necessary.
Advantages:
- Very wide functionality;
- Ease of setup and operation;
- Good build;
- Acceptable price.
Flaws:
- On the track, the camera filtering mode does not work, which is why it works quite often, which gets on your nerves.
Street Storm STR-5210EX
7. Omni RS-550
Many drivers who have just purchased such a device for themselves are a little scared of its volume and signature sound: when approaching a traffic camera, it starts to crackle very loudly. In addition, some users claim that it is quite expensive for its performance, but this does not prevent this gadget from being very popular with buyers. The device is the latest model, which has a system of unique settings, and also easily copes with extraneous signals. The receiver has a high sensitivity, which helps to receive even the most complex signals from modern Skat-P tripods or Oskon-SM mobile complexes. The registrar has a GSM module combined with a unique notification technology for stationary cameras located around the corner. No similar device has such an opportunity.
The radar detector offers the user a very large selection of a wide variety of settings that allow you to optimize the operating parameters to the maximum and make the operation of the device more convenient. The developers professionally approached the detection of cameras, in particular, at a fine level, you can adjust the K-band and the laser receiver. Signature processing filters for all signals have been significantly improved, due to which dead zone sensors are instantly cut off, there are practically no false positives with this radar detector.
Advantages:
- No false positives;
- Captures traffic cameras from a considerable distance;
- The design includes an adjustable frequency meter.
Flaws:
- Volume control is not very convenient — there is only one button for this, so at maximum volume, the next press switches it to minimum.
Omni RS-550
6. SilverStone F1 Sochi PRO
Our rating continues with another model manufactured by a world-famous company. The manufacturer came up with a rather curious design — it is traditionally equipped with a horn antenna, there is also an LNA low-noise RF signal amplifier, as well as a superheterodyne conversion path. Together, this has a positive effect on the overall sensitivity of the model. The firmware provides DSP X-signature analysis, which easily cuts off unnecessary signals. False positives are possible in theory, but they rarely occur in practice.
All the information necessary for the driver is displayed on a very bright liquid crystal display, which occupies almost the entire front end of the device. The device control buttons have been moved to the side faces. All data is read with ease, the driver practically does not have to be distracted from the traffic situation. The device easily calculates the location of stationary cameras, tripods and portable complexes. The manufacturer regularly releases new firmware. The case is made of black matte plastic, which does not leave fingerprints. All control buttons have the corresponding icons, there is also an LED indicator for operation. The display diagonal is 2.08 inches.
Advantages:
- Works with all systems used on the roads of our country;
- A huge number of various settings;
- The receiver is equipped with LNA.
Flaws:
- It is necessary to regularly check for new firmware, otherwise the response to stationary cameras may not be very correct.
SilverStone F1 Sochi PRO
5. Playme SILENT
Perfectly determines the location of cameras both in the city and on the highway, it has a beautiful appearance. The device comes with a cable for connecting to a personal computer, designed to update the software. The model works from the cigarette lighter, it is quite easy to set up, all settings are stored in the internal memory of the product. All controls are located on the top of the product — the power button, the button for switching modes, adjusting the volume and brightness. On the front is a large-sized monochrome liquid crystal display, which is very convenient to use.
In total, there are two city modes and one mode for the highway. The number of false positives of the device is minimal. The detector turns on automatically after starting the engine, when it is turned off, the radar turns off by itself, there is a built-in GPS module. On the right side is a socket for connecting a USB cable.
Advantages:
- Pleasant notification — no shocks while driving;
- Sharp design and fairly high-quality assembly of the model;
- Large screen.
Flaws:
- Incomplete camera location database, however this issue is quickly resolved with a software update;
- High price.
Playme SILENT
4. Neoline X-COP 5700
One of the leaders among the best radar detectors of this year, and this model is equipped with a convenient feature called Motion Control. The product is equipped with a motion sensor that responds well to gestures. In order to get rid of the voice notification, it is enough to hold your hand over the device at a distance of about 15 cm. In addition, new firmware for this gadget is regularly released, where the user is able to independently choose which functions to put in motion Control.
The model has a very attractive appearance and a large LCD display that provides information on vehicle speed, spotted cameras, and also provides information on the types of radar detectors — the design is able to distinguish over 45 brands of such devices. There is a very convenient silence mode — until a certain speed is reached, the device will remain absolutely silent, it is possible to limit the speed limit. If it is exceeded, the structure will begin to emit an appropriate sound signal. There is no need to connect the device to a computer — just copy all the necessary data from the official website to a USB flash drive and insert it into the detector.
Advantages:
- Pretty ergonomic model;
- Big screen;
- In addition to standard mounting methods, there is also a magnetic one;
- Perfectly communicates with GPS, the connection remains stable during the entire period of work, does not break.
Flaws:
- It’s pricey, but the price is well justified.
Neoline X-COP 5700
3. Artway RD-202
It has compact overall dimensions — only 43x55x29 mm and weighs just over 50 g. This makes the device almost invisible on the windshield. The case is made of high-quality reliable plastic with a black matte coating, there is a soft-touch coating on the top and bottom panels. The quality of production does not cause any complaints or comments: the assembly is solid, there are no cracks, extraneous squeaks and backlashes. There are three buttons on the case, they are easy to detect by touch, they emit a characteristic click when pressed. On the front side there is a bright contrast OLED display measuring 30×10 mm.
The GPS informant reports all police cameras, ranging from speed cameras, including back cameras, lane cameras, stop prohibition cameras, mobile cameras and more. The radar part will undoubtedly please the owners. The device was equipped to glory:
- The OCL function allows you to select a radar alert distance in the range from 400 to 1500 m.
- There is an intelligent z-filter for false positives, and four modes of operation of the radar.
- OSL Function — Comfort Alert Mode for Approach to Speed Control Systems
- The highly sensitive radar detector Artway RD-202 confidently detects all radar systems. used in Russia, has a built-in additional special module that allows you to detect complex radar systems «STRELKA», Avtodoriya and Multradar.
Advantages:
- Impeccable work of the radar part;
- GPS-informer about all police cameras;
- Compact small dimensions;
- Intelligent filter cuts off false alerts;
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Not very clear instructions.
Artway RD-202
2. Artway RD-204
Another very compact device, which was developed by the world famous company Artway. The size of this radar detector does not affect its performance in any way. The device on the windshield is practically invisible, so it will not obscure the view. All the data received using the gadget is accurate, the anti-radar has a built-in GPS-informer, with a constantly updated camera database. Its memory contains information about all speed cameras, including in the back, lane control cameras, red light traffic, stop lines, mobile cameras and others.
Signature processing of the information received is provided here, so the probability of a false positive is reduced to zero. The radar detector is equipped with a comfortable OSL function, thanks to which you can set the highest threshold for exceeding the speed limit, up to which there will be no sound alert. The driver also has access to a practical and rather convenient function of placing their own geopoints. The equipment is able to calculate what kind of radar system is installed along the route of the vehicle, including those that are difficult to detect — Krechet, Kordon, Strelka, Avtodoriya, Multiradar and many others. The driver can also set the distance range from which the notification about the installed camera will come. Key data is displayed on a clear and bright OLED display.
Advantages:
- 100 protection from police cameras and radars;
- Excellent work of the radar detector;
- GPS-informer about all police cameras;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Top processor;
- Excellent value for money and quality.
Flaws:
- There is no display brightness adjustment.
Artway RD-204
1 Fujida Magna
One of the newest models that are on the radar detector market today. The device works on the basis of signatures, so there will be no false positives from dead zone sensors and other interference. There is a very convenient Smart mode for the driver, in which the device independently analyzes the speed of the car and makes a choice between city modes or the mode used in driving conditions on the highway. The device is equipped with a LED display with good contrast. Moreover, it is equipped with a light sensor, so it will adjust the brightness on its own. When cameras are detected, the radar detector warns about the camera with a pleasant voice and shows on the OLED display all the relevant information about the detection: type of detected camera, speed limit, distance to the camera and the current speed of the vehicle. A very fast and very high-tech Nuvoton processor is installed here, which supports EXTREME SENSITIVITY PLATFORM technology, due to which the sensitivity and detection range of cameras become larger.
The device is well calibrated, so the speedometer and display will match exactly. The detector has a highly sensitive receiving lens, which will easily detect complexes with laser radiation. Each range can be individually enabled or disabled. The menu, which is simple and clear, has many useful settings, for example, «speed threshold», «speed filter», «chimes», «anti-sleep» and others. You can set a lower speed threshold — the radar will not once again warn about cameras by voice until the speed is exceeded. Updates are released with enviable regularity — once a week. If the driver forgets about it, the device itself will remind him of this.
Advantages:
- Compact overall dimensions — does not block the view;
- Effectively determines the location of any cameras, including pulsed and with laser radiation;
- Long service life;
- The highest quality of workmanship and assembly;
- The case is made of matte plastic — no traces of touch remain;
- The display is equipped with a light sensor — the device independently changes the brightness of the screen.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Fujida Magna Radar Detector
In custody
As you can see from our review, all radar detectors have approximately the same functionality, due to which you should carefully select the device so that all the necessary functions are included in the kit. Regarding whether you liked our review, as well as on the topic of the best anti-radar models contained in the rating, you can comment on this article.